Rating: 97%

Bowflex Max Trainer M8 Review

FitRated

Quick Summary

The Bowflex Max Trainer M8 is a cross between a stair stepper and an elliptical, all wrapped up in a compact design – it offers the ultimate full body, no impact workout. It comes with 20 levels of resistance, making it suitable for all fitness levels. It is also one of the first machines launched with the Bowflex Max Intelligence App. It’s built on an artificial intelligence platform – after assessing your fitness level it will intuitively suggest how to proceed to getting to your next level and ultimately your end goal. Bowflex is also offering a Performance Pack of this model for an additional cost that includes a Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6”, a machine mat and an armband heart rate monitor.

The M8 is designed for a range of fitness users. Whether you’re looking to get back into a workout routine from a hiatus or improve your current physical state, the M8 will cater to your goals and capabilities. The Max Intelligence Platform will also enhance your workout experience with artificial intelligence technology that remembers each workout and will push you to work harder as if you had your own personal trainer in your home daily. This is a low impact machine that will help you tone your body, burn calories and shed pounds without any harsh impact on your joints.

Rating: 97%

Our Rating

Rating: 97/100. The standout features are definitely the 20 resistance levels and the new Bowflex Max Intelligence App. Together these take the workouts to another level, one good enough for the most advanced exerciser/athlete.

The machine itself comes equipped with athletic foot pedals that provide a solid grip and can accommodate a wide range of foot sizes for various users. The dynamic grip handlebars offer multiple locations for hand placement and the ability to work the upper body in different ways. There are touch sensors located on small handlebars at the bottom of the console to monitor your heart rate for a more accurate reading of your fitness level. An armband heart rate monitor is also available for purchase or included when you purchase the Performance Pack, which also includes the Samsung Tablet and Bowflex mat to put the machine on. This model has a premium media deck to hold a tablet as well as a secondary device. The deck can be adjusted easily as the piece attached is magnetic to the main frame. Lastly, there is a space to hold a large water bottle, phone or keys during the workout.

The main thing that makes the Max 8 so unique is its Max Intelligence Platform App. With the monthly subscription, users will unlock the full capability to have custom workout plans after completing their initial fitness test. The fitness test pushes users to reach their max output, baseline and endurance potential. The information is then stored in the intelligence feature to have Max create dynamic workouts for the individual’s needs. Above that, Max speaks to the user giving praise, motivation and at times pushing you when you may be slipping. Information such as how you’re feeling that day, how much time you have and previous workouts are all considered in the customization process. The great thing about Max is that it’s like having your own personal trainer whenever you want! Users can select how long they want to workout and the intelligence platform will adjust accordingly ensuring you have a great workout each time. Lastly, the app has the ability to remember key features you love such as specific trainers and music to better accommodate your personal preference.

The M8 offers a low impact, high intensity workout so it is an appropriate machine for a wide range of users. Whether you have previous joint issues or injuries, low cardio range or are looking to improve your overall health, the M8 can help you achieve your goals without impact. While the stigma with elliptical trainers is that they may not be intense enough for stronger athletes, the M8’s intelligence platform breaks that notion but pushing users to reach their max capacity in shorter bursts while also finding their endurance range to keep them working in a higher heart rate zone. The biggest thing people will remember about the Bowflex Max trainers is the promise to achieve a great workout in 14 minutes. This machine is designed to utilize the short period of time to have users reach max potential rather than coasting as we can all be guilty of when working out on our own.

Here are lists of top features on the Max Trainer M8 and potential drawbacks.

Pros:

20 resistance levels

Dual mode LCD/LED screens

Burn rate displayed on main console

Premium media rack that is larger than previous models

Smart tech Max Intelligence software that makes a more personalized workout plan catering to each individual that uses the machine

4 user compatible

Heart rate monitor in touch sensors or armband available for additional purchase

Compact size measuring the same overall floor space and height as the M6 and weighing 148lbs

Warranty: The warranty is on the scanty side, it could be extended in all areas. The frame and parts as well as the labor.

Extra Cost: The Max Intelligence comes with a price tag of $149/year.

Higher price point than previous models

No cooling fan in console

Max Trainer M8 Overview

The Bowflex Max Trainer M8 is Bowflex’s premier trainer. It’s a compact machine but don’t let the size fool you – it will challenge and increase your fitness level with precision and smarts. Its design is created with the movements of an elliptical and a stair stepper, offering an effective workout in a short space of time and all of it all low impact.

But Bowflex has stepped it up with the M8 – it comes with 20 levels of resistance, enough to test even the most serious of athletes. In fact, it would be a good conditioning and interval-training machine for any sport. But of course it is still not too advanced for a beginner, who can work their way up.

In addition to the resistance levels the M8 is one of the first two Bowflex trainers to launch the Bowflex Max Intelligence App. The App is pretty spectacular, as the platform is based on artificial intelligence technology. It will assess your fitness level and then intuitively suggest when and what to do to move towards your fitness goal – it’s like your personal trainer. It works in line with the 29 instructor-led videos. It does require a subscription that isn’t included in the price of the M8. The subscription runs $149 annually or $14.95 monthly (pricing for the app is similar to competitors’ offerings). The free version includes 17 videos, and the paid subscription adds another 12 along with personalized options.

The machine does allow for four profiles to be created, which is great for a home that may have several exercisers. The dual mode LCD/LED screens are a good size and easy to read. It’s super compact and will fit in most spaces. If you don’t already own a tablet or if its already full with other “stuff”, Bowflex is offering a performance pack that includes a Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 that is synced to work with the M8. The pack also includes an armband heart monitor and a machine mat.

Max Trainer M8 Features

Bowflex Max Intelligence Platform enabled: The Max Intelligence Platform functions on artificial intelligence programming and analyses your workouts, then intuitively suggests – based on your history – your next level of difficulty towards your fitness goals. It motivates and encourages; it currently offers 29 instructor-led on-demand workout videos. It is subscription based and is an additional cost – $149 annually or $14.95 per month (17 videos are free with the app, but additional 12 along with personalized videos are available with subscription).

20 Resistance Levels: This range will work for beginners as well as the most advanced exerciser. In fact, it would probably be more than enough for serious athletes. The resistance levels increase the intensity of a workout. This is why you are able to work out more efficiently but effectively – working your whole body and burning more calories.

Performance Pack Features: With a purchase of a few hundred dollars more, you can have a Samsung Galaxy E 9.6 Tablet, set up to work with your M8. We’re thinking in addition to using with the Max Intelligence App, you could use this tablet as your dedicated fitness tablet – all things personal health related, exercise, nutrition, etc. The pack also includes an armband heart rate monitor and a Bowflex machine mat.

Multi-grip Handles: As your resistance levels and intensity increases and decreases your hand positions will change and adapt. The multi-grip makes it comfortable and safe as you transition from level to level.

Compact Size: The Bowflex Max Trainer M8 packs a lot of power for such a small size. All the better to fit in small or big spaces in your home gym.

Workout Programs

Workout options are available from the BowFlex Max Intelligence App. It offers 29 on-demand instructor-led videos with a subscription. Seventeen videos are accessible for free, 12 with paid subscription along with personalized videos.

Warranty & Guarantee

The warranty covers three years on frame and parts, and 90 days on labor.

Conclusion

Recommended!

Overall, the M8 is most impressive for its ergonomically friendly design, smooth motions, compact frame and above all, the Max Intelligence Platform App. The program combined with the machine itself has taken working out at home to new heights. The M8 is designed for a wider range of users and is adaptable no matter your fitness level. While the price point is higher than its previous model, users have the option to purchase the Max 6 and still benefit from Max Intelligence through their phone or tablet. The machines themselves have minor differences physically but may come down to personal preference in handle bar placement, foot pedals and media deck. This machine will make a great addition to your home without taking up too much space and will no doubt have you sweating!

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